Alykes: Sandy Beach, Former Salt Pans and Local History

The golden sand of Alykes Beach, the former salt pans and the history of the area offer different perspectives on Alykes. The beach lies on the northeast coast of Zakynthos; its sandy seabed slopes gently into the Ionian Sea. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Alykes, you can first consider whether you’re more drawn to the coastal setting or to discovering local history.

Sandy Beach and Shallow Waters

Alykes Beach is a golden sandy beach. The water is considered shallow, warm and clear; these features can vary depending on conditions. Visitors can wade quite a way out in the shallow water. Its gently sloping sandy seabed makes the beach considered suitable for families with small children.

Salt Pans, Place Name and History

The place name Alykes means “salt flats” in Greek. The former salt pans of Alykes remain undisturbed and provide a habitat for local wildlife. Alykes became a holiday resort relatively late; before that, it was subordinate to the village of Katastari, with which its history is closely linked. The later resort and its close historical ties to Katastari represent two distinct periods in the character of the area.

Another tangible testament to local architectural history is the Pentocamaro Old Bridge, a stone bridge over the Skourtis River in Alykes. It has five arches and dates from the 15th century; its exact year of construction is unknown. Its riverside setting and arches give it a different character from the beach and salt pans, making the bridge a historical landmark in its own right.

Zakynthos in a Broader Context

The broader setting is the island of Zakynthos. The Blue Caves lie in the Aspros Vrachos area at Cape Skinari. Lake Keri is a wetland protected under the Ramsar Convention, a Natura site and a nature reserve within the Zakynthos National Marine Park. These natural features add further perspectives on the island to Alykes’ local coastal and historical themes.

Zakynthos also has a rich artistic history: the Museum of Zakynthos displays works of the Cretan School, Cretan-Ionian icons and works of Ionian Naturalism from the 15th to the 19th century. On the ground floor of the Museum of Solomos and Eminent Zakynthians, the mausoleum has housed the remains of the national poets Andreas Kalvos and Dionysios Solomos since 1968.

Zakynthian Ladotyri cheese offers a culinary perspective. It is made in dairies and home workshops in Volimes and sold as a local product. Together with the museums and landscapes, it showcases a different side of the island from Alykes’ beach and local history.

Choosing the Right Focus

When looking for a holiday apartment in Alykes, it helps to think about what you want to focus on: Alykes offers beach and local history as local themes, while caves, protected areas, museums and Ladotyri broaden the range of topics to explore across Zakynthos. This can help you decide whether to focus your search on the character of Alykes or take a broader look at the island.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kipseli, Alikanás, Kampíon, Kalamaki, Skinaria, Romiri, Kallithea, Agios Leon.

For the broader travel overview: Zakynthos.